China tours from Australia are much more affordable than China tours from the United States and Canada due to the availability of a good number of daily direct flights between Australia and China.
While costs of visiting most Western countries have soared post-pandemic, China remains affordable due to its relatively sluggish economic growth in the past few years. In fact, the price for a centrally located 3-star hotel in Tokyo or Kyoto during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage season would put you in an international standard 5-star hotels such as Marriott and Four Seasons in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. As far as we can see, this pattern should remain unchanged for at least another year (2025).
The China National Immigration Authority announced on July 1, 2024 that Australians (and New Zealanders too) can stay in China for 15 days visa-free per entry. This announcement is well received by Australians.
If you are planning to visit China, please consider going with Laurus Travel. We have been running fully guided tours to China since 1998. Our premium small-group China tours hold special appeal to travellers interested in culture, history, fine food and meaningful interactions with the locals. Among the important features that distinguish us from the China tour companies are:
- Small group size – average 15, maximum 20
- Expert guides handpicked by company owners
- Inter-city travel mostly by high-speed train
- Fun activities such as hiking and cultural shows
- No annoying forced shopping of any kind
- Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants
- Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities
- Great Wall visit at Mutianyu including cable car rides
Laurus Travel is based in Vancouver, Canada with a clientele spanning the globe. Over the years, we’ve had many Australian customers and we look forward to adding you to our list of customers from Australia.
China Tour Reviews by Customers from Australia
My father and I completed a shortened version of a standard tour with a group total of 8 members. We organised this at short notice from Australia and the Laurus office was very good and responsive to queries and requirements via email. The tour itself went very smoothly with all logistics thought through and executed very well locally by the tour guides, all we had to do was go along for the ride, relax and take in the amazing sights and experiences of China. The local tour guides were friendly, very knowledgeable, and humorous; it was a pleasure to learn from them and spend time with the other tour members.
Both Jacob (Beijing)and William (Xian) were informative, humorous and attended to all the group’s needs. They are real assets to Laurus. Sheraton (Beijing) and Sheraton (Xian) both very good in terms of room and breakfast. Sheraton (Xian) closer to Metro station, so easier to get around without use of taxis. Sheraton (Beijing) better in terms of pool and spa facilities. The meals were exceptional, great choice of local restaurants throughout tour with good range of meals and opportunity for the tour group members to interact.
Great value for money!
Steve B.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
As an Australian I was unfamiliar with Laurus Travel until I did my research and saw the testimonial from another Australian and Frommer’s recommendation. It proved a wise choice – the tour group was not too big and a great bunch of people, the hotels and food were of excellent quality and the calibre and knowledge of the local guides made the trip highly informative and memorable. Best of China itinerary was a great mix of archaeological, cultural and scenic highlights. No forced shopping detours or commissions to local guides. For Australians wanting to avoid a big group, packaged tour experience with a better standard of amenities definitely worth considering this Canadian “China specialist” company.
Karen C
Sydney, Australia
[ more reviews ]
Recommended China Tours for Guests from Australia
We have many China tour packages ideal for guests from Australia. The 14-day Essential China below is highly recommended.
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AWESOME is how I would describe my 14 day Essential China Tour. Tour content, accommodations, meals, & domestic travel all met high standards. Heather, you run a first class organization. Your representatives – Jacob, Elaine, Paul, David, Alex – were very professional, well informed, congenial & engaged, providing extraordinary service & engagement throughout the trip. Also, internal support staff – Yuki, Adrianne – were very helpful. Despite this being my first experience with Laurus, I can comfortably recommend you to friends & colleagues & would confidently consider Laurus first in my future travels. A sincere thank you, Paul D |
Shanghai – Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin – Hong Kong
This fast-paced luxury China tour is a perfect choice for the time-pressed looking for a well-rounded introduction to both the traditional and modern China. Trip highlights include the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Terracotta Army and a day cruise on the picturesque Li River in Guilin.
Important Features
- Small group size – average 15, maximum 25
- Tips for local guides and drivers included
- Inter-city travel by high-speed train except for one city pair (Xi’an/Guilin)
- No annoying forced shopping of any kind
- Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants
- Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in all hotels
- Great Wall visit at Mutianyu with cable car rides
Day 1/Mon: Departing for Shanghai
Depart from a city of your choice and lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.
Day 2/Tue: Arrival in Shanghai
Meet the driver on arrival for transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the balance of the day at leisure.
Day 3/Wed: Shanghai (B/L/D)
With a population of 24.9 million (2021), Shanghai is China’s biggest city, which delights the visitor with its futuristic skyline and historical landmarks.
Following the tour orientation we visit Jade Buddha Temple located in an old neighbourhood, the famous waterfront promenade known as the Bund, and the Yu Garden in the old town centre. We wrap up the day with a drive through the glitzy financial district of Lujiazui on the opposite side of the Bund across Huangpu River.
